The Function of a Chimney Damper
There’s debate about the most important part of the chimney. What keeps it the safest? What makes it work efficiently? What can be improved? The fact is that every single part of the chimney is necessary for safe and efficient function. From top to bottom, the chimney system is designed exactly so that it vents the chimney in the most efficient way possible, changing with industrial and
technological advancements. One of these advancements is to the damper. No more are homeowners stuck with an old throat damper. There is a better option, safer, more efficient, and affordable.
The Damper
The damper is a necessity. It closes or opens the flue to allow smoke to escape and air to flow. Your fire needs oxygen to burn, and also needs to vent smoke. When the damper becomes worn out or damaged, it can stop opening or closing, putting your family at risk when smoke cannot escape. It can also make it difficult to light a fire or keep one burning. If you have been troubleshooting to figure out why your fireplace is smoky, and cannot figure out the issue, you may have a damper problem and should call a professional.
Damper Replacement
Chief Chimney Services recommends top sealing dampers, which do the job of the chimney cap and the damper. They are affordable and have a tight-sealing close that closes firmly, keeping water, air, and wildlife out. Most of all, these dampers are functional. They do everything the throat damper did, but better. They should be open while the fire is burning and closed when it is out, allowing airflow when needed, and closing easily when necessary. The top sealing damper is installed at the top of the chimney opening but is engaged by a cord that reaches to the hearth, so you can open and close it with an easy tug.
Save Money
The top sealing damper is also called the energy saving damper, or energy top damper because it saves you money year-round. The traditional throat dampers do not have a tight seal, so they still continue to let air out of the chimney when closed. During the summer, you can lose conditioned air through the chimney. During the winter you may experience cold drafts when the fire isn’t lit. This costs you money! Save money year-round by sealing the chimney from the top to bottom.
Top energy dampers also prevent water damage by keeping water out of the flue completely, in addition to animals, insects, and debris.
This damper will start protecting your chimney as soon as it’s installed, and save you money just as fast! Make sure when you’re discussing your damper or cap with your trusted chimney sweep, you ask about energy saving tips as well! Chief Chimney Services is Long Island’s choice for comprehensive chimney maintenance. We keep our customers safe, and we want to save you money this year. Call Chief Chimney today and ask about a new damper for your chimney top.